Movie spotlight
Sleeping Beauty
The radiant Alla Sizova stars as Princess Aurora in this artful film version of Tchaikovsky's timeless classic from the world-renowned Kirov Ballet, a production based on the highly acclaimed, original choreography by Marius Petipa. The legendary troupe's majesty and skill are on full display as they perform one of the world's most beloved ballets with supporting performances from Natalia Dudinskaya, Yuri Solovyov and Valeri Panov.
Insights
Plot Summary
An evil fairy curses Princess Aurora to die on her 16th birthday. Three good fairies alter the curse so she will fall into a magical sleep instead, to be awakened by true love's kiss. The prince destined to awaken her must battle the dragon-transformed evil fairy to save her.
Critical Reception
Sleeping Beauty was a critical and commercial disappointment upon its initial release, but has since gained recognition as a visually stunning masterpiece of animation. Its distinct art style and memorable villain have contributed to its enduring legacy.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its breathtaking, storybook animation and distinct art nouveau style.
Maleficent is widely regarded as one of Disney's greatest villains.
The musical score and songs are noted for their elegance and contribution to the fairy tale atmosphere.
Google audience: Audiences generally admire the film's beautiful animation and classic fairy tale storytelling, with many highlighting Maleficent as a captivating antagonist. Some find the pacing a bit slow compared to modern animated features.
Awards & Accolades
Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Score.
Fun Fact
The distinct, stylized look of the film was inspired by medieval art and illuminated manuscripts, with art director Ken Anderson and sequence director Milt Kahl drawing heavily from artists like Eyvind Earle.
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